Unbeaten team's leader

Q&A -- Amy Crout, Annapolis Area Christian School, volleyball

Amy Crout went out in style as the senior setter on the Annapolis Area Christian School volleyball team.

She led the Eagles to a surprising 15-0 season that included a repeat Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland C Conference title.

AACS defeated Towson Catholic, 3-0, in the final, as Crout was 12-for-12 serving with an ace, 19 assists, four digs and two kills. She finished her varsity career with 424 assists, 125 aces and a .900 serving percentage.

Crout, who plays club ball with the Bay Area Volleyball Academy, is ranked No. 2 in her senior class with a 4.24 grade point average. She takes three Advanced Placement courses and is secretary of the school's National Honor Society. She also sings in the choir.

With aspirations of becoming an attorney like her father, Randy Crout, she hopes to play volleyball in college.

What were your feelings after repeating as C Conference champions?

It was a great feeling because we lost six seniors from last year's team. Coming back this year, we only had three returning varsity players, so it was a real surprise. We weren't expecting it at all, but we had a really great team.

You lost some very good players, didn't you?

We lost an All-County player and a few All-Conference players. It was a tough loss, but we came through. What are your thoughts on your season and tournament personally?

Yes, I had a good season. I love playing. I actually reached a milestone with 424 career assists and almost 130 aces. So, I ended up on a really good note for my senior year.

When did you think you had Towson Catholic beat in the championship match?

We had already played them early in the season and beat them 3-0, like we did on [Nov. 3]. It was a close game each time, but I think we backed off a little and had to push hard to come back in the second game. In the third game, up by 2-0, we were pretty pumped and ready to win.

Was that the highlight of the season?

Yes, and probably our first game with Towson Catholic. We were both undefeated and came into their school on their homecoming. Both teams were really pumped up that day. It was a really close-fought match.

I've known her since kindergarten, and she worked us hard the last couple years. It was a little different this year because we had to fight harder for each point and each game. It was tougher competition in the league this year, definitely.

What about next year for you?

I'm considering playing volleyball in college. It really depends on the college and any scholarships that might come in. I'm looking at Cedarville University, Campbell, Geneva College, Messiah College and Covenant. Those are my main five.

What do you want to pursue as an occupation?

I'm thinking maybe government, pre-law and then go to law school.

What piqued your interest in law?

My dad is a lawyer, and just hearing him talk about it interested me, and I thought it would be pretty cool for me. He doesn't practice law anymore, but he used to, and now he is a CPA.

What other interests do you have?

I'm really involved in my schoolwork, and I'm currently tied for second in my class. Also, I used to play softball until my freshman year. I had played it for seven years. I'm also active in the National Honor Society and a lot of community service.